"The Sexual Aberrations"
In this essay, Freud explores behaviors and desires that were considered abnormal or deviant in his time, including homosexuality, fetishism, and sadomasochism. He argues that these so-called sexual aberrations are expressions of innate sexual instincts and can be understood within the framework of psychoanalysis. Freud challenges societal norms by suggesting that these behaviors have their roots in the complexities of human sexuality and are not simply pathological. This essay sets the stage for understanding how psychoanalytic theory can shed light on the diversity of human sexual experiences.
He also mentions bestiality, the use of animals for one's sexual purposes. Freud argues that what makes pedophiles and zoophiles is not that these urges exist, but that they do not sort through those urges correctly. Freud says these urges exist in normal people too, but normal people discover the correct reasons why not to use children or animals for sex.
"Infantile Sexuality"
In this essay, Freud introduces the concept of infantile sexuality, challenging the prevailing notion that children are asexual. He argues that children experience sexual feelings and desires from an early age, albeit in different forms than adults. Freud emphasizes that these early sexual experiences play a significant role in shaping a person's adult sexuality. By recognizing the presence of infantile sexuality, Freud aimed to deepen our understanding of human development, highlighting that sexual aspects of life are intertwined with a person's psychological growth from childhood to adulthood. This essay underscores the importance of early experiences in the formation of one's sexual identity and desires.
"The Transformations of Puberty"
In this final essay, Freud examines the pivotal changes that take place during adolescence. He emphasizes the shift in sexual object choice from self-focused desires in childhood to external objects of desire, often individuals of the opposite sex, as a crucial aspect of adult sexuality. Additionally, Freud discusses the conflicts that can arise during this phase as individuals grapple with societal norms and expectations regarding their sexuality. This essay explores the intricate interplay between psychological and physiological transformations during puberty, illuminating their profound role in shaping adult sexual development and highlighting the complexity of human sexuality's evolution from childhood to adulthood.
